Hidradenitis suppurativa

Background, Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a recurrent, suppurative disea se manifested by abscesses, fistulas, and scarring. Methods. We reviewed the literature to identify reliable information regard ing epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, evaluation and dif ferential diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis. Results, Hidradenitis suppurativa usually affects young women, with a preva lence of 0.3% to 4% in industrialized countries. Once considered to be "apo crine acne," HS is actually a defect of terminal follicular epithelium. Obe sity, chemical irritants, or hyperandrogenism are not consistently associat ed; bacterial involvement is secondary Hidradenitis suppurativa should be s uspected in young adults with recurrent, deep furuncular lesions in flexura l sites, especially when such lesions respond poorly to antibiotic therapy. Clindamycin and isotretinoin may be useful, though wide excision with heal ing by granulation is considered most efficacious. Anemia, arthropathy, and squamous cell carcinoma are potential complications. Conclusions. Since spontaneous resolution is rare and progressive disabilit y the rule, early definitive surgical treatment of WS is advisable.